Josh Norris

Mock Drafts

Mock Draft V

This mock draft is my best guess of what will happen. I know there are many who want to trade down or robotically recite the term “best player available.” Need is always factored in and one year away needs should be considered.

For the trades featured below, the terms are listed after the initial team.

11. New Orleans Saints - CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State - The Malcolm Butler deal will likely get done before the season. Even if it does, the trio of Butler, Breaux and Lattimore would be great,

12. Cleveland Browns (via PHI) - TE O.J. Howard, Alabama - The Browns staff coached Howard at the Senior Bowl and deployed more 12 personnel groupings in that week than I’ve seen before. I know many peg a quarterback to this slot. The team could obviously move up for one, or take the multiple passer approach and wait for more value. Potentially.

13. Arizona Cardinals - QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson - Call this selection a hunch. I know Bruce Arians’ infatuation with big armed quarterbacks is often cited. However, we do not know how long Arians will coach for and Steve Keim needs to plan for the future.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIN) - EDGE Charles Harris, Missouri - The Eagles could absolutely take a similar approach to the Panthers last season in terms of multiple corners after round one. Harris will be a top 15 selection and greatly improved his athletic testing at the school’s pro day.

16. Baltimore Ravens - LB Reuben Foster, Alabama - I know the team likely moves Kamalei Correa to inside linebacker, but with the top edge rushers off the board and a number of possible corner targets injury, the Ravens could look at receiver or an inside linebacker from a school Ozzie Newsome is very comfortable with.

17. Washington Redskins - C Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky - Trying to predict a pick for a team without a general manager is fun. Ryan Kelly was the likely target last year, so the team (and previous GM’s grades) might indicate the top talent at the position being the pick. Lamp will be viewed as a center or guard in the NFL.

18. Tennessee Titans - CB Kevin King, Washington - Jon Robinson worked with Bill Belichick. Robinson signed former Patriot Logan Ryan to a large contract. The Patriots value 3-cone results (Ryan ran a 6.69). Kevin King’s 6.56 3-cone is an outstanding time. In fact, he is the most athletic corner in this draft. We could look back on this class in five years and view King as the class’ top corner.

19. Tampa Bay Bucs - TE David Njoku, Miami - I know the Bucs have Cameron Brate. He is absolutely a starting caliber talent. But inject some unreal upside and athleticism in Njoku, and the Bucs passing offense gets a lot scarier. Luke Stocker and Brandon Myers combined for more snaps than Brate played.

20. Denver Broncos - T Garett Bolles, Utah - I have pushed for Bolles to be drafted earlier than this… I just can’t find a fit. Bolles has left tackle feet and an aggressive, finishers mentality in the running game. He’d be a perfect fit for the Broncos.

This mock draft will change. Frequently.

This mock draft is my best guess of what will happen. I know there are many who want to trade down or robotically recite the term “best player available.” Need is always factored in and one year away needs should be considered.

For the trades featured below, the terms are listed after the initial team and are based on previous values from past drafts.

1. Cleveland Browns - EDGE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M - Viewed as the draft’s top prospect. He is the unique prospect in this draft. Reportedly dealt with a high ankle injury this season. NFL teams have to rush the passer, and drafting players like Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib doesn’t prevent you from adding Garrett. I know Adam Schefter mentioned the team is “split” on this pick, but you cannot pass on Garrett. Trading up from 12 seems far more likely… if the team loves a quarterback.

2. San Francisco 49ers - EDGE/DL Solomon Thomas, Stanford - Thomas is a really, really, really good football player. He can rush from the edge or possibly work inside. The new 49ers’ coaching staff and the front office has no connection to Arik Armstead nor DeForest Buckner. Harsh, but true. Without a clear No. 2 prospect in this class, add the pass rusher with upside.

3. Chicago Bears - EDGE/DL Jonathan Allen, Alabama - This is a difficult selection. It could obviously be a quarterback or cornerback, or even a left tackle, but Allen might be viewed as a safe selection who offers disruption from a variety of alignments. Long term shoulder questions have not been mentioned to me. The Bears need to continue to get younger up front.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - RB Leonard Fournette, LSU - The Jaguars took care of so many needs in free agency. Perhaps they want to add a rangy free safety, or another offensive lineman, or a tight end, but signs and actions point to a powerful running back who can help build the identity of the offense. I’ve heard that teams understand a running scheme must be built around Fournette’s strengths, but many are open to it.

5. Buffalo Bills (TRADE with TEN) - QB Mitchell Trubisky, UNC - Let’s talk through this. A billionaire businessman does not spend his weekends or free time traveling to college campuses to meet with 20 and 21 year olds for fun. This is for business and goes beyond being thorough. The Bills are taking the blueprint the Eagles laid out last year when trading up for a quarterback.

Trade terms: Swapping 2017 first round picks plus the Bills give a 2018 second round pick and a 2017 third round pick (75) and the Titans add a fifth round pick (164). Buffalo only has six picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.

6. New York Jets - CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State - I know many expect Marshon Lattimore to be the first corner, but a number of NFL people are worried about his history of hamstring injuries. Enter Conley, who is an outstanding prospect. He shines on the left, right and in the slot. Physical, ball skills, etc. We can look back in three years and view Conley as the best corner in this class.

7. Los Angeles Chargers - FS Malik Hooker, Ohio State - Some might render football down to turnovers and big plays. Hooker can create big plays and turnovers thanks to his extreme range from his safety spot. A rangy free safety can totally change the success of Gus Bradley’s defense. This is one of the best prospect to team fits in the draft.

8. Carolina Panthers - RB Christian McCaffrey, Stanford - Panthers coach Ron Rivera used the term “evolve” multiple times after the Panthers season when speaking about offensive changes. We have no idea what that means since the team’s offense has changed very little this offseason. Adding McCaffrey would define that term. The more you watch McCaffrey, the more you realize he can be a primary piece of an NFL running and passing game.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - EDGE Derek Barnett, Tennessee - A receiver is definitely in play. Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap are getting older and more expensive, and the team has failed to find long-term solutions at either spot. Barnett posted a ton of production at the collegiate level and wins with bend and a strong motor.

10. Tennessee Titans (TRADE with BUF) - WR Mike Williams, Clemson - The primary mission of the Titans draft should be to surround Marcus Mariota with talent. Corey Davis’ draft process has been quiet after minor ankle surgery. John Ross has a long history of knee injuries. Enter Williams, who is outstanding when creating a positional advantage and wins downfield thanks to his contested catch ability.

Trade terms: The Titans add a 2018 second round pick and a 2017 third round pick (75) and give a 2017 fifth round pick (164) along with No. 5.

This mock draft is my best guess of what will happen. I know there are many who want to trade down or robotically recite the term “best player available.” Need is always factored in and one year away needs should be considered.

For the trades featured below, the terms are listed after the initial team.

11. New Orleans Saints - CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State - The Malcolm Butler deal will likely get done before the season. Even if it does, the trio of Butler, Breaux and Lattimore would be great,

12. Cleveland Browns (via PHI) - TE O.J. Howard, Alabama - The Browns staff coached Howard at the Senior Bowl and deployed more 12 personnel groupings in that week than I’ve seen before. I know many peg a quarterback to this slot. The team could obviously move up for one, or take the multiple passer approach and wait for more value. Potentially.

13. Arizona Cardinals - QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson - Call this selection a hunch. I know Bruce Arians’ infatuation with big armed quarterbacks is often cited. However, we do not know how long Arians will coach for and Steve Keim needs to plan for the future.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIN) - EDGE Charles Harris, Missouri - The Eagles could absolutely take a similar approach to the Panthers last season in terms of multiple corners after round one. Harris will be a top 15 selection and greatly improved his athletic testing at the school’s pro day.

16. Baltimore Ravens - LB Reuben Foster, Alabama - I know the team likely moves Kamalei Correa to inside linebacker, but with the top edge rushers off the board and a number of possible corner targets injury, the Ravens could look at receiver or an inside linebacker from a school Ozzie Newsome is very comfortable with.

17. Washington Redskins - C Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky - Trying to predict a pick for a team without a general manager is fun. Ryan Kelly was the likely target last year, so the team (and previous GM’s grades) might indicate the top talent at the position being the pick. Lamp will be viewed as a center or guard in the NFL.

18. Tennessee Titans - CB Kevin King, Washington - Jon Robinson worked with Bill Belichick. Robinson signed former Patriot Logan Ryan to a large contract. The Patriots value 3-cone results (Ryan ran a 6.69). Kevin King’s 6.56 3-cone is an outstanding time. In fact, he is the most athletic corner in this draft. We could look back on this class in five years and view King as the class’ top corner.

19. Tampa Bay Bucs - TE David Njoku, Miami - I know the Bucs have Cameron Brate. He is absolutely a starting caliber talent. But inject some unreal upside and athleticism in Njoku, and the Bucs passing offense gets a lot scarier. Luke Stocker and Brandon Myers combined for more snaps than Brate played.

20. Denver Broncos - T Garett Bolles, Utah - I have pushed for Bolles to be drafted earlier than this… I just can’t find a fit. Bolles has left tackle feet and an aggressive, finishers mentality in the running game. He’d be a perfect fit for the Broncos.

~

This mock draft will change. Frequently.

This mock draft is my best guess of what will happen. I know there are many who want to trade down or robotically recite the term “best player available.” Need is always factored in and one year away needs should be considered.

For the trades featured below, the terms are listed after the initial team.

21. Detroit Lions - LB Haason Reddick, Temple - Reddick could absolutely be drafted before this, even as the first off-ball linebacker off the board. Why? No one has improved their evaluation more during the process, and Reddick also offers pass rushing upside.

22. Kansas City Chiefs (TRADE with MIA) - QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech - Alex Smith is 32 years old and the Chiefs would save $17 million of his $20 million salary if he is not on the roster in 2018. All the buzz points to Mahomes landing in the first round. Personally, I don’t view him in that territory as there is no easy comparison of success in the NFL. Perhaps he creates a new mold. Andy Reid and company added Kevin Kolb in round two, then Michael Vick two years later, when Donovan McNabb was around Smith’s current age.

23. New York Giants - OL Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin - This could be one of a number of offensive linemen… Ramczyk, Garett Bolles, Cam Robinson. Ereck Flowers was not and is not the answer at left tackle. Adding skill position players only goes so far when the offensive line is a weakness.

24. Oakland Raiders - LB Jarrad Davis, Florida - The biggest weakness on the Raiders is the linebacker spot, as the team cycled through player after player in an attempt to make something work. Davis is athletic and vicious at the point of attack. He might remind some of Deion Jones.

25. Houston Texans - T Cam Robinson, Alabama - The Texans have a massive need at right tackle with Derek Newton’s late-season injury. I think it is very telling that Mike Mayock, a man who has spent the last month on the pro day circuit with NFL staffers, now ranks Robinson as his top tackle.

26. Seattle Seahawks - EDGE/LB Tyus Bowser, Houston - Bowser’s lack of pass rush snaps might limit his true EDGE evaluation. He tested in the 95th percentile and would help in a variety of ways. He could line up as a SAM, rush the passer or work off the ball since K.J. Wright is not getting any cheaper.

27. Miami Dolphins (TRADE with KC) - EDGE Jordan Willis, Kansas State - The Dolphins pick up an extra third-round pick in this deal while still getting the pass rusher they want. Willis is a straight-line rusher who is an athletic freak.

28. Dallas Cowboys - S Obi Melifonwu, UConn - Another hunch. The Cowboys must replace multiple starters in the secondary, and pair Obi with fellow UConn athletic phenom Byron Jones would give Dallas plenty of flexibility in the second half.

29. Green Bay Packers - CB Tre’Davious White, LSU - If the Cowboys went with a corner, White would be a likely pick. However, in this scenario, White passes the thresholds Ted Thompson uses at the position. The Packers could also be a prime trade out target.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan - The Steelers will add a corner and a pass catcher early in the draft. Book it. Davis is the top receiver in this class. He can win in contested situations due to his natural size but shines creating separation and dominating after the catch.

31. Atlanta Falcons - EDGE T.J. Watt, Wisconsin - I flipped between Watt, Derek Rivers and Taylor Moton. Watt is an insane athlete with a growing game and would be able to play a variety of spots for the Falcons.

32. Cleveland Browns (Trade with NO) - QB Davis Webb, Cal - The Browns get their quarterback for very little extra. Webb has 26 starts to his name and even more games played. The buzz is real from the NFL, but this late of a selection would allow the Browns to continue to throw darts at the position if they so choose, in 2017 or beyond.

Trade terms: Much like the Vikings trade up for Teddy Bridgewater a few years ago, the Browns trade pick No. 33 and a fourth round pick (108) to the Saints.